Router and rapid response network

Abstract

A router includes a plurality of wireless network carrier cards, each of the network carrier cards adapted for use with one of a like plurality of different carrier networks, means for determining which of the plurality of network carrier cards provides a suitable connection to a carrier network and means for selecting one or more suitable connections to one or more carrier networks and for connecting the EVDO router to the carrier network through a particular one of the plurality of network carrier cards and a load balancing processor for load balancing between a plurality of different backbone networks and wherein the load balancing processor directs traffic among multiple networks to provide a desired throughput. In one embodiment, the router is provided as an evolution-data optimized (EVDO) wireless router.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 417,605 filed Nov. 29, 2010, under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) which application is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.GOVERNMENT RIGHTS[0002]Not applicable.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0003]The system and techniques described herein relate generally to networks and more particularly to wireless network routers configured to operate with one or more cellular networks and to bridge wireless connectivity gaps by enabling immediate and continuous communication through a secure Wi-Fi (802.11b / g / n) network and to provide a gateway access point to the internet by connection to 3G and / or 4G cellular networks.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]As is known in the art, mobile computer and other mobile electronic device users are increasingly relying on continuous access to Wide Area Networks, (WAN's), such as the world wide web, (www), Internet, Intranets, etc. to access ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0023]With this particular arrangement, an EVDO gateway wireless router enables users to bridge wireless connectivity gaps by enabling immediate communication through a secure Wi-Fi (802.11b / g / n) network and provide a gateway access point to the internet via cellular networks (e.g. 3G and / or 4G cellular networks). The inter-link between the EVDO device and the cellular networks (3G or 4G) can be interconnected and shared virtually anywhere with the created network. The EVDO wireless system described herein fills the connectivity divides which separates various wireless systems, limit signal strength and service reach, coordinated response and resolution. The EVDO device described herein provides secure connectivity needed to support uninterrupted situational command and control capabilities and sustained interconnectivity across the divides of disparate networks.

[0037]In applications like border security and homeland security, the U.S. Government operates networks with a critical need for saturation-averse reliability, self-healing resiliency, high bandwidth and ‘go anywhere’ reach and network extensibility. The EVDO router described herein allows organizations to deploy networks that operate reliably in the most challenging environments while providing real-time video, voice and data communications required for successful operations.

Problems solved by technology

As is also known, in emergency situations, conventional wireless local area network (WLAN) connections are often lost or unreliable.

In this case, devices cannot communicate with a WAN or WLAN to access network services.

Thus, first responders and other users often cannot receive or communicate information critical to success of a particular mission.

However cell phones and PDA's are not equipped to perform even routine computer tasks and most portable computers are not equipped with cellular network interfacing gear.

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